Board Bios
Find out a little bit more about your team.
Steve Hart
President
Steve's passion for art has been a driving force throughout his life. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he joined the US Navy in 2004 and has been stationed in various states along the east coast before settling in California, where he currently lives with his family in Escondido. Despite his demanding military career as an LCAC Craftmaster and instructor based out of Coronado, Steve has always made time for his artistic pursuits. Self-taught in mediums ranging from acrylic and oil to graphic design, Steve enjoys exploring a variety of subjects, with recent focus on landscapes and military themes. He is continually refining his style and technique. He has completed numerous commissions, including brand/marketing content as well as military apparel/merchandise. With only one year remaining in his military service, Steve plans to transition to a full-time career as an artist upon retirement. For him, art is not just a hobby or a side project, but a passion that drives him to continuously learn and grow as an artist.
Kat Furrow
VP of Programs
Social Media Director
Kat is a self-taught artist living in the coastal town of Carlsbad, California. Retired from the Navy, Kat is a mother of two amazing son's, a grandmother, and a full-time student at Arizona State University Kat is a mixed media art instructor and has been exploring different mediums and guiding students through creative art classes for more than 10 years. She finds inspiration from her love of people and nature. Passionate about her craft, she draws from her personal experience and is fearless in her use of color and texture. Dedicated to people, she has a strong moral sense of community. Kat believes the creative process takes courage, and it is that courage that bridges the gaps of community and provides artists, thus, galleries, with a unique opportunity to influence and inspire others to take action toward their respective aspirations, hopes, and dreams. Kat met the EAA through their outreach service work with homeless veterans and looks forward to serving the EAA and the arts and culture community of Escondido. https://www.katfurrowart.com/
Jennifer Wallace
Membership Director
Jennifer Wallace has a desire to encourage and inspire others using her creative voice, through watercolor and photography. She spent most of her career in social work, assisting underserved children, youth, seniors, and homeless. Although often very demanding work, the reward for her, has been seeing others make positive changes in their lives and considers it a privilege to have walked alongside them, if only for a part of their journeys. A highlight for her, has been working with children, as she feels they are a great reminder to be present and enjoy the simple things in life. Jennifer sees it as an honor to serve the city of Escondido, by supporting the Arts community as a board member of EAA, and encouraging other artists to use their creative voices as well! jwallacearts.com
Pavla Mrazkova
Treasurer
My name is Pavla Mrazkova. I was born in the Czech Republic. I am 58 years old, married to George with two daughters, Jessica and Theresa, both born in Escondido, which became our home, when we moved back to USA in 2011. I have worked in office and management jobs for most of my career in the field of science and in general business. I am happy to be part of the nice community of Escondido. I love meaningful work and communicating with people around me. It is an honor for me to be part of the Escondido Art Association.
Lorraine Page
Secretary
My work is reflective of my character: inquisitive, contemplative, and fanciful. The drawings, paintings, combined media and assemblages range from realism to total abstraction. I have received several awards from various San Diego venues including the San Diego County Fair, Escondido Arts Partnership, Escondido Art Association, The Hearth Gallery, Ashton Gallery and Robert Burridge Competitions. In 2017 I was awarded “First Place – Original Fashion Design” for the Recycled Art & Fashion Show in Temecula. I was accepted in the prestigious “50 to Watch” exhibition at The Studio Door in San Diego in 2018. In September - October 2021 I was chosen as the Featured Artist at Ashton Gallery, San Diego.
Christine Spencer
Fundraising Director
Christine has been a professional fundraiser for 20 years specializing in grants, individual and corporate major gifts, annual giving, and special events, and is currently the Director of Grants and Impact at Coastal Roots Farm. She grew up in North San Diego County and has called Escondido her home for ten years, owning a home in the Old Historic Escondido District. Christine has a passion for the arts, being an artist (playing viola) herself, and helping others in the community gain access to all the beauty and benefits of the arts and cultural activities Escondido has to offer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas Christian University and a Master of Public Administration specializing in Public Policy from the University of Colorado at Denver. Christine has been married to her husband and best friend, Derek, for 17 years and has two children, ages eight and fifteen, both attending local Escondido schools.
Annette Johnson
Marketing Director
An early pioneer of online advertising, Annette has been a marketing professional for over 20 years, specializing in market research, product launches, PR and advertising. She is currently the Publisher for Metro South Real Producers and BeLocal Magazine coming soon to Escondido. Annette first came to San Diego as a student at SDSU where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Business and after living in Northern California for a time, has spent the last 11 years in Escondido. Becoming a volunteer art teacher at her children’s school, Annette reconnected with her love of art and has worked for years as a volunteer, PTA President and as the Bernardo Family Liaison to expand art for all students. While there, she was essential in growing the participation of Hispanic families on campus and hopes to do the same in her role as interim Marketing Director at EAA. Annette and her husband Ben have 3 children, 2 daughters in college and a son at Escondido Charter High School.
Veronica Anderson-Cain
Gallery Co-Director
"I believe that access to the arts requires someone to open the door. Someone who invites you in and like a family you are both welcomed and challenged.” Native San Diegan, UCSD Alumni and former middle school language and visual arts teacher at Del Dios Academy, Veronica Anderson-Cain taught curiosity, patience, and resilience. “Learning is working hard and having fun- and if you are lucky you are always learning.” After being a successful practicing artist early in her career, she transitioned to a position in Publications and Sales at SDMA, from there entered the field of education. She looks forward to engaging with the creative community at the Escondido Arts Association developing thriving opportunities and positive experiences.
Gail Eason
Gallery Co-Director
G. Gail Eason retired from the San Diego Convention Center where she was a Senior Convention Services Manager for 15 years and was national acknowledged for her work with convention clients and the prior 5 years, she held the same position at the San Diego Conventions and Visitors Bureau. Gail’s career life also includes nursing as an RN for over 15 years and property management for 9 years and served as Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Poway/ Rancho Bernardo American Heart Association chapter as well as serving on the BOD of the AHA. In 1995 she was vice- chairman on the board of Escondido Human Society. In the late ‘90’s she began her artist career becoming involved with the Escondido Arts Partnership, serving on their board and a member of The Visual Arts Group. Since retirement she has once again taken up her artistic endeavor and has served on the EAP BOD. She is a member of POETS Inc and has published poems in both Summation 14 and 15 as well as 2 years in SDPA. In keeping with her “service to others” Gail strives to make a difference in her community and the lives of others.
Suzanne Nicolaisen, Ambassador
Suzanne Nicolaisen is a self-taught artist and has been a member of the Escondido Art Association (EAA), since 2007. She has held many different EAA board positions during her tenure. Her work can be found in several countries around the world. She was born in South Africa, lived in Switzerland, now residing in California, USA. More than 20 years of blending art with her love for everything living, Suzanne enjoys volunteering her time to support the community by combining her love for people, the arts, nature, and her surroundings. Suzanne's love for Escondido is expressed in her "Zanniki's Escondido" series of downtown Escondido paintings. She has never experienced a second of boredom in her life. www.zanniki.net
Pat Hunter
Past President Advisor
Growing up in Greater Chicago, I visited the Art Institute often and credit these early art encounters as the basis for my desire to be an artist. My studies include years of adult ed classes as well as on-going studies with local art master. My preferred medium is oil. Landscapes, Pet Portraits, Wildlife are my favorite subjects. www.patriciahunterart.com